Defender pleased with his League bow in 1-1 draw against Plymouth Argyle
Defender Tom Dallison was delighted to make his Football League debut on Saturday – and help his new club earn a precious point.
The on-loan Brighton centre half impressed as Reds came from behind against second-placed Plymouth to draw 1-1 at the Checkatrade Stadium.
Dallison, who slotted in alongside another youngster, Josh Yorwerth, admitted he had an idea what to expect having played 16 games in the National League for Dartford and Braintree. But it was still a significant step up for the 20-year-old.
He said: “It was more physical than I expected, even compared to the Conference, but I knew it would be and really enjoyed it.
“The lads made me feel so welcome when I came in on Friday. I only had one training session working with them on team shape but I thought defensively we were pretty solid.
“We slipped up with their goal and one or two of the lads thought there was a handball in the build-up but we stayed in the game and it was great to get that equaliser. I know Sham (Shamir Fenelon)
from when he was at Brighton and he took the goal well because he had to react quite quickly.”
Reds also gave a full debut to midfielder Andy Bond, whose no-nonsense performance delighted manager Mark Yates.
“Andy has a lot of experience and I had no doubt he would step up to this level again without any problem,” said the boss.
“He did a lot of things very effectively and helped make us competitive in an area of the pitch where Plymouth are pretty strong.
"He can be pleased with his debut as can Tom – I thought they were both excellent.”
